Antique Portuguese 19k Fede Gimmel Ring

A rare and romantic late Victorian – Edwardian era fede gimmel ring, crafted in a soft buttery high-carat 19k gold, which is a unique historic gold carat standard originating from Portugal. Three individual hoops are pinned together with a swivel mechanism which allows the clasped hands to open or close, revealing an interior layer of joined double hearts. Two bold orbs cap off the design at the shoulder areas, giving this ring a handsome touch. The sides of the shanks are hallmarked with the Portugues wolf head for .800 19k gold.

Jewelry scholars and collectors call these types of double hand rings “fede gimmel” rings. The design is ancient, with a history stretching all the way to Roman antiquity. The clasped hands symbolize love, friendship, faith, and fidelity— a literal manifestation of the Latin phrase “mani in fede” (hands in faith). The fede gimmel ring survived the collapse of the Roman empire to enjoy popularity during the medieval and renaissance eras as betrothal rings. During the 18th and 19th centuries, these rings were commonly worn as wedding bands.